These two quiet retreats for couples in rural North Cornwall are little gems, just 15 minutes' drive from the spectacular north coast and 25 minutes from the Eden Project.

Both of these Cornish self-catering holiday cottages are within a converted 17th century barn, and provide a private and unusual hideaway. There are white-painted walls setting off oak beams, wooden lintels and cottage doors. Each cottage has a living room, a separate well-equipped kitchen with full size cooker, microwave, refrigerator, tumble drier, kettle, toaster, ironing board and iron, double bedroom and bathroom. One is an 'upside-down' cottage with the bedroom downstairs. There is a garden, private parking and excellent views. Linen included (beds made up before your arrival).

Blisland Inn, a well-stocked village shop, and an 'Internet Cafe' are half a mile away. Near a coastal footpath and sandy beaches, and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these cottages are perfectly placed for walking, cycling, and riding, and are close to the Camel Trail at Padstow (it's a beautiful walk along a disused railway line, all along the Cornish coastline).